Molded drinking receptacle

ABSTRACT

An article of manufacture comprising a drinking receptacle molded of non-metallic material and having the general shape of a bovine horn. The main body is preferably molded in two hollow parts each having a closed end, the smaller part being fixed to the side of the smaller end of the larger part and suitably patterned for esthetic effect. A hand grip is fixed to the main body on the side opposite the smaller part, and a support rest or base for the receptacle may be fixed to the main body or shaped to internest with the latter.

United States Patent Bright 1 Dec. 12,1972

[54] MOLDED DRINKING RECEPTACLE [72] Inventor: Elvin M. Bright, 17242 Bircher Street, Granada Hills, Calif. 91344 [22] Filed: July 27, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 166,348

152] US. Cl. ..215/l C, D44/9, D36/8, 215/100 R, 215/100 A [51] Int. Cl. ..B65d 11/02 [58] Field of'Search ..D44/9; D36/8; 215/1 R, 1 C, 215/100 A, 100 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS D117,55O 11/1939 Bergeron ..D36/8 Dl65,566 12/1951 Yecko ..D44/9 5/1900 Rider ..2l5/l R 6/1903 Nelson ..2l5/l R 6/1939 McBride ..215/l00 R X Primary Examiner-Donald F. Norton Attorney-W. D. Sellers et a1.

{57] ABSTRACT An article of manufacture comprising a drinking receptacle molded of non-metallic material and having the general shape of a bovine horn. The main body is preferably molded in two hollow parts each having a closed end, the smaller part being, fixed to the side of the smaller end of the larger part and suitably patterned for esthetic effect. A hand grip is fixed to the main body on the side opposite the smaller part, and a support rest or base for the receptacle may be fixed to I the main body or shaped to internest with the latter.

26 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures MOLDED DRINKING RECEPTACLE The present invention relates to drinking receptacles and more particularly to a unique, non-metallic, molded construction simulating a horn.

There is need during festive, ceremonial and social gatherings to offer toasts and partake of beverages with due ceremony and solemnity. The present invention provides a receptacle especially designed for an appropriate to such occasions.

To meet the foregoing and the like needs there is provided by this invention a drinking receptacle molded from non-metallic materials simulating natural minerals such as marble, semi-precious stones, alabaster and the like/The basic ingredient of the molding composition comprises thermosetting resins and these are blended with appropriately colored and weighted finely-divided mineral matter of appropriate specific gravity so thatthe molding composition as a whole has a specific gravity approximating that of the material being simulated.

In a preferred embodiment, the drinking receptacle is molded in two hollow parts the smaller of which is contoured to be secured against the exterior of the main part and cooperating therewith to provide a generally horn-like appearance. This smaller part is secured to the main body opposite the handgrip in order to counterbalance the latter and is desirably hollow when used to counterbalance smaller size hand grips. The receptacle is also preferably provided with a rest or support opposite its lower end to facilitate supporting the receptacle in a stable upright position on a table or other support surface. This rest may be fixed to the receptacle or separable therefrom. In the latter event, its upper surface is contoured to internest with the bottom of the receptacle and to interlock with the adjacent receptacle surface to safeguard against the possibility of misalignment or slippage. The hand grip may be formed integrally with the main body or separately and then suitably fixed to the main body.

Accordingly it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a unique and distinctive drinking receptacle for use on ceremonial and festive occasions and lending flare and dignity to such occasions.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel drinking receptacle molded from non-metallic material with portions in relief with provision for counterbalancing the off-center portions thereof and having a hand grip formed as part of the main body or separately. 1

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel, oddly-shaped drinking receptacle having means for supporting the receptacle when not hand-held and which means can be made alternatively as a fixture of the receptacle or as a separable interfitting component.

These and other more specific objects will appear upon reading the following specification and claims and upon considering in connection therewith the attached drawing to which they relate.

Referring now to the drawing in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the invention supported in an upright position on a base therefor;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22 on FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 on FIG. 2.

There is shown in FIGS. 1-3 a typical embodiment of the invention ceremonial drinking receptacle designated generally 10. The main body of the receptacle is molded from non-metallic material, such as a suitable thermosetting resin composition having intermixed therewith finely-divided minerals to give the composition a specific gravity approximating the material being simulated. Various therrnosetting resin compositions are suitable, as for example, the composition disclosed in my application for U.S. Letters Patent Ser. No. 686,170, filed Nov. 28, 1967, now US. Pat. No. 3.609,l 14. Various marbles, alabaster and semiprecious minerals are readily simulated with high fidelity appearancewise, texture-wise, and in color, hue and specific gravity using the technique disclosed in detail in my aforementioned copending application.

The receptacle is preferably formed in two or three principal parts including the beverage. receptacle proper 11, and the decorative lower terminal part 12. Hand grip 16 can be molded integral with receptacle 1 l or separately. As there shown by way of example, the parts 11,12 comprise hollow shells open at one end and closed at the other. Thus the upper end of receptacle part 11 flares outwardly and upwardly in the general manner indicated in the drawing, the interior of its lower end converging symmetrically as is indicated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The exterior of the lower smaller end of part 11 is here shown as formed with a flat upright surface 14 corresponding generally in area to the open end of the hollow shell 12. The latter is also preferably hollow in order that its finished assembled weight will substantially counterbalance the weight of hand grip 16 here shown as molded separately from shell part 11. Desirably there is no communication between the hollow interior of part 12 and beverage-containing portion 18 in order that the changing volume of the liquid contents will have no affect on the balance of the receptacle. Shell part 12 is finished to have a snugfit against surface 14 and is suitably bonded, fused or otherwise held assembled thereto. As herein shown, the peripheral portion of surface 14 is provided with a rib 19, at least along the lower edge of the receptacle, in order that this protrusion may interfit with and nest into a complementally shaped locator recess 20 formed in the upper surface of the receptacle face or rest 21.

Rest 21 may be molded of the same or different material than the rest of the receptacle and is formed with a recess 22 complemental to the shape of the lower end of part 11 and effective to cradle the receptacle when it is not being held in the hand. Although not shown as embellished with a carved design, the upper surface of base 21 may be and usually is so designed.

It will be understood that rest 21 may be bonded to the main body of the receptacle or, if desired, molded integral therewith. Alternatively, rest 21 may be molded separately from the rest of the receptacle and simply used as a convenient cradle-like stable rest for the receptacle when the latter is not hand-held. When it is in use, the receptacle is readily lifted clear of the latter type of rest and is thereafter easily returned to a stable position thereon simply by taking the precaution to sense that the locating rib or projection 19 is seated in the complemental recess 20. It will be noted that the latter typically extends crosswise of the cradle surface 22 and safeguards against accidental misalignment of the receptacle with this surface as well as against displacement of the receptacle therealong. If desired, a further indexing rib or projection may be provided between the lifting surface and lying generally at right angles to rib 19.

Hand grip 16, although moldable as an integral part of receptacle 11, is advantageously molded separately and thereafter bonded to locators 17 by a suitable adhesive, such as epoxy resin. Locators l7 protrude from either the ends of the hand grip or from the exterior of the receptacle and preferably have their bases lying in a common plane. The sides of these locators taper and have a close fit with complementally shaped wells in the other of the two parts. All exterior surfaces of the parts near their mating plane are contoured to merge smoothly.

The lower or tip end 12 of the receptacle is preferably molded in three dimensions with a suitable pattern or three-dimensional decorative finish. As herein shown by way of example, the lower part 12 tapers toward a blunt end thereby carrying out the typical bovine horn contour.

While, the particular molded drinking receptacle herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages hereinbefore stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the detail of construction or design herein shown other than as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An article of manufacture comprising a hand-held receptacle having a main body comprised of first and second hollow shells each open at one end and closed at the other end thereof, said first hollow shell being relatively deep and flaring out-wardly at its open end and having a surface on the exterior face thereof adjacent its opposite end contoured to mate with the open end of said second hollow shell, the open end of said second shell being fixed to the exterior surface of said first shell so as to project laterally from the sidewall at the closed end of said first shell, and at least said first shell being molded in one piece essentially from nonmetallic material.

2. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said second shell is molded in one piece essentially from non-metallic material.

3. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said first hollow shell includes as an integral molded part thereof a hand grip extending generally axially thereof along the exterior side thereof remote from said second hollow shell.

4. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 characterized in that said receptacle and the liquid storage portion of said first shell thereof are so proportional that the center of gravity of the receptacle when upright is not materially altered by changing liquid levels therein.

5. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 characterized in that said second hollow shell and said hand grip generally counterbalance one another on the opposite sides of the axis of said first hollow shell.

6. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 5 characterized in that the abutting surfaces of said first and second hollow shells are fixed together.

7. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said second hollow shell is contoured to represent a three dimensional work of art with the surface at the open end thereof merging pleasingly with the adjacent surfaces of said first hollow shell.

8. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 7 characterized in that the exterior surface at the closed end of said first hollow shell is contoured so as to cooperate with the exterior of said second member to simulate the general shape of a bovine horn.

9. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in the provision of rest means opposite the closed end of said first member having a wide area support surface for said article of manufacture lying generally normal to the longitudinal axis of said first hollow shell and effectiveto support the same and its contents in an upright position from a table or the like.

10. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 characterized in that said rest means is fixed to the exterior of the closed end of said first hollow shell.

11. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 characterized in that said rest means is molded in one piece from non-metallic material.

12. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 characterized in that said rest means and said interconnected first and second shells are readily separable, and the upper side of said rest means being contoured to interfit and provide a secure and stable support for said shells when not being held in the hand whereby said article may be carried in the hand free of said rest means and supported stabily therein at other times.

13. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said first and second hollow shells are contoured to simulate the general shape of a bovine horn.

14. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13 characterized in that said first hollow shell includes a hand grip along one side thereof and fixed thereto.

15. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 14 characterized in that the same is molded from thermosetting material having a specific gravity approximately that of onyx.

16. An article of manufacture comprising a drinking receptacle the main body of which has the general contour of a bovine horn, said main body having an elongated main body flaring outwardly at the open end thereof and being closed at the opposite smaller blunt end thereof, a hand grip extending lengthwise of said main body on the side thereof opposite said closed end and secured to said main body, and rest means on the side of said closed end having a fiat surface remote from and generally parallel to the plane of said open end.

17. An'article of manufacture as defined in claim 16 characterized in that said rest means is fixed to said,

main body.

18. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 16 characterized in that said rest means is readily separable from said main body and having an upper surface contoured to cradle and seat said main body and support the same in a stable upright position when not being held by said hand grip.

19. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 18 characterized in that the same is molded from thermosetting material intermixed with mineral material to increase the specific gravityof the resinous component and to exhibit a specific gravity approximating that of a natural mineral.

20. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 18 characterized in that the upper side of said rest means is contoured complementally to the juxtaposed under surface of said main body to intemest therewith thereby to hold said receptacle interlocked with rest means when properly supported thereon.

21. An article of manufacturing comprising a beverage receptacle molded from thermosetting material intermixed with colored mineral material to provide a desired color and lustre and to increase the specific gravity of the receptacle to approximate the specific gravity of a natural mineral, said receptacle being molded in a plurality of separate parts with portions of the surface of each contoured to mate with one another, and at least a plurality of said parts being bonded together.

22. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 21 characterized in that one of said parts comprises a grip for contact with the users fingers to lift and maneuver the receptacle while drinking a beverage therefrom.

23. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 22 characterized in that said grip and a beverage containing portion thereof include mating protrusion and recess means bonded in internested relation with the adjacent surfaces of each part merging smoothly with one another.

24. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 22 characterized in that said grip is elongated and. 

1. An article of manufacture comprising a hand-held receptacle having a main body comprised of first and second hollow shells each open at one end and closed at the other end thereof, said first hollow shell being relatively deep and flaring out-wardly at its open end and having a surface on the exterior face thereof adjacent its opposite end contoured to mate with the open end of said second hollow shell, the open end of said second shell being fixed to the exterior surface of said first shell so as to project laterally from the sidewall at the closed end of said first shell, and at least said first shell being molded in one piece essentially from non-metallic material.
 2. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said second shell is molded in one piece essentially from non-metallic material.
 3. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said first hollow shell includes as an integral molded part thereof a hand grip extending generally axially thereof along the exterior side thereof remote from said second hollow shell.
 4. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 characterized in that said receptacle and the liquid storage portion of said first shell thereof are so proportional that the center of gravity of the receptacle when upright is not materially altered by changing liquid levels therein.
 5. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 3 characterized in that said second hollow shell and said hand grip generally counterbalance one another on the opposite sides of the axis of said first hollow shell.
 6. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 5 characterized in that the abutting surfaces of said first and second hollow shells are fixed together.
 7. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said second hollow shell is contoured to represent a three dimensional work of art with the surface at the open end thereof merging pleasingly with the adjacent surfaces of said first hollow shell.
 8. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 7 characterized in that the exterior surface at the closed end of said first hollow shell is contoured so as to cooperate with the exterior of said second member to simulate the general shape of a bovine horn.
 9. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in the provision of rest means opposite the closed end of said first member having a wide area support surface for said article of manufacture lying generally normal to the longitudinal axis of said first hollow shell and effective to support the same anD its contents in an upright position from a table or the like.
 10. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 characterized in that said rest means is fixed to the exterior of the closed end of said first hollow shell.
 11. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 characterized in that said rest means is molded in one piece from non-metallic material.
 12. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 9 characterized in that said rest means and said interconnected first and second shells are readily separable, and the upper side of said rest means being contoured to interfit and provide a secure and stable support for said shells when not being held in the hand whereby said article may be carried in the hand free of said rest means and supported stabily therein at other times.
 13. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 1 characterized in that said first and second hollow shells are contoured to simulate the general shape of a bovine horn.
 14. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 13 characterized in that said first hollow shell includes a hand grip along one side thereof and fixed thereto.
 15. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 14 characterized in that the same is molded from thermosetting material having a specific gravity approximately that of onyx.
 16. An article of manufacture comprising a drinking receptacle the main body of which has the general contour of a bovine horn, said main body having an elongated main body flaring outwardly at the open end thereof and being closed at the opposite smaller blunt end thereof, a hand grip extending lengthwise of said main body on the side thereof opposite said closed end and secured to said main body, and rest means on the side of said closed end having a flat surface remote from and generally parallel to the plane of said open end.
 17. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 16 characterized in that said rest means is fixed to said main body.
 18. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 16 characterized in that said rest means is readily separable from said main body and having an upper surface contoured to cradle and seat said main body and support the same in a stable upright position when not being held by said hand grip.
 19. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 18 characterized in that the same is molded from thermosetting material intermixed with mineral material to increase the specific gravity of the resinous component and to exhibit a specific gravity approximating that of a natural mineral.
 20. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 18 characterized in that the upper side of said rest means is contoured complementally to the juxtaposed under surface of said main body to internest therewith thereby to hold said receptacle interlocked with rest means when properly supported thereon.
 21. An article of manufacturing comprising a beverage receptacle molded from thermosetting material intermixed with colored mineral material to provide a desired color and lustre and to increase the specific gravity of the receptacle to approximate the specific gravity of a natural mineral, said receptacle being molded in a plurality of separate parts with portions of the surface of each contoured to mate with one another, and at least a plurality of said parts being bonded together.
 22. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 21 characterized in that one of said parts comprises a grip for contact with the user''s fingers to lift and maneuver the receptacle while drinking a beverage therefrom.
 23. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 22 characterized in that said grip and a beverage containing portion thereof include mating protrusion and recess means bonded in internested relation with the adjacent surfaces of each part merging smoothly with one another.
 24. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 22 characterized in that said grip is elongated and generally tubular, said grip extending along one side of the receptAcle with its opposite ends bonded thereto.
 25. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 24 characterized in that the opposite ends of said grip lie in substantially the same plane.
 26. An article of manufacture as defined in claim 21 characterized in that said thermosetting material is substantially transparent whereby the color of the receptacle is controlled substantially entirely by the color of said mineral material. 